How 3D Printing fits into Product Development

The product development life cycle follows the journey of an idea from inception to final product. At Stratasys Direct Manufacturing we offer comprehensive services at key stages of the product development life cycle that service designers and engineers as they transform their concepts into amazing products. In our latest ebook, we discuss each stage of product development and how our expansive solutions assist companies as they move through the life cycle.

The ebook covers the following stages:

Discover Stage

This research phase can inspire development teams to discover new, cutting-edge technologies or innovative possibilities for their product. Educational resources offer information on the best way to design, test and manufacture products, including design guidelines, white papers and informative articles. Our experts know what it takes to adopt AM into your workflows, operations and supply chains, and we are here to help you discover the best possible way to incorporate advanced manufacturing services.

Design Stage

If designers and engineers are planning on utilizing 3D printing for any stage of product development, they may need to incorporate additive manufacturing specific design considerations into their 3D models. It can be helpful to consult with experts to optimize their product design. There’s no better way to validate designs than with prototyping. Our rapid prototyping services enable companies to get imperative feedback, revise, iterate, and bring better products to market faster.

Plan Stage

Good planning enables teams to take advantage of the best resources available and aligns manufacturing demands and in-house capabilities. By sourcing well, they’ll orchestrate the best way to get their product to market on-time and at the lowest possible cost. Materials and manufacturing methods corresponding with the key characteristics needed for the application are tested and chosen during this stage.

Produce

In industries like aerospace, medical, transportation and consumer products, additive manufacturing has increasingly become a production solution for top companies. Companies can produce amazing, consistent parts with a range of additive manufacturing and complementary conventional manufacturing technologies tailored to their application. Ideal for low-volume, bridge to production runs, 3D printing offers freedom from traditional design constraints. For mid-high volume production, we have robust conventional manufacturing processes like CNC Machining, Injection Molding and Urethane Casting.

Replenish

For some suppliers, keeping these inventories plentiful or offering spare parts can be burdensome due to warehouse or storage space needs, costs of production and the gamble of determining how much inventory will be necessary. The fast production and freedom of design possible with additive manufacturing makes it an ideal solution for these challenges. The on-demand approach of 3D printing allows businesses to provide products and spare parts as-ordered and eliminates the need for large inventories.

From the early stages of research to the post- launch manufacturing strategy, businesses can turn to Stratasys Direct for solutions across the product development life cycle. Read more about advanced manufacturing and the product development life cycle by downloading our ebook.

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